JAMES MADISON

Born in 1751, James Madison grew up in Virginia and later attended Princeton University. A student of government and history, well-read in law, he served in the Continental Congress. He was a leader in the Virginia Assembly and helped frame the Virginia Constitution in 1776. At 5 feet 4 inches, Madison is known as the shortest U.S. president, but whatever his deficiencies, he compensated for a high IQ of 160.

He is also considered Princeton’s first-ever graduate student, although he didn’t technically obtain a degree. He authored the Bill of Rights and earned the title “Father of the Constitution” when he led the ratification of the Constitution by writing the Federalist essays along with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton. Meanwhile, his wife, Dolley, helped define and strengthen the role of the First Lady when it comes to its philanthropical and social aspects.